Seven Australian Interior Design Trends for 2020

This decade promises to be unique for design and trends of all kinds. From fashion to home design, 2020 is an eclectic blend of previous trends with a touch of something new and indefinable. Homes are somehow both modern and retro, minimalist and maximalist, unique and familiar.

Here are seven overarching interior design trends that are apparent in the 2020 Australian Interior Design Award nominees. 

Retro-Inspired Textiles and Colors

Retro-inspired colors and textiles are back in a big way. This year, you can expect to see shades of mustard yellow, burnt orange, dusty rose, and sage green. 

Not only are the colors a throwback to decades gone by, but retro-inspired textiles are also back in. Think corduroy throw pillows, velvet couch coverings, and tassels on accessory pieces. Texture, in general, plays a significant role in 2020 interior design trends. Designers want a look that you can feel, as well as see.

Blended Kitchens

Kitchens have long been the focal point of a home. However, people are moving away from having a defined kitchen space. Instead, they’re opting for something that blends in with the rest of the house. In open-concept settings, the kitchen is designed to blend into the background. You can check out First Home Buyers Direct to see how modern home designs are moving in this direction.

While kitchens fade into the background, decor elements from the rest of the house are appearing in this space. No longer is the kitchen dedicated to functionality. Pops of decor and personality cast over the shelves and cupboards are creating a more cohesive feel with the rest of the house.

Curves, Circles, and Arches

A subtle 2020 design trend is the reintroduction of soft corners. New home designs are embracing arches over square doorways for a softer transition between spaces. You’ll also see more circular furniture, from coffee tables to mirrors and more organic shapes throughout the home.

The use of this trend is exemplified in the Australian Interior Design Award shortlist nominee, YSG’s “Budge Over Dover” design. 

Bold, Blended Patterns

Clashing is a concept that’s best left in the last decade. Now designers are using contrasting patterns for a zany, layered approach that brings a room to life. It’s not uncommon to see animal prints, florals, and stripes all sharing a common space.

When using bold, blended patterns, be sure to find a common denominator in color. Remember that the color wheel is your best friend when it comes to interior design.

Natural Elements

The incorporation of indoor plants into decor has been paramount in recent years. In 2020, the natural element look will expand in interior design. The inclusion of natural elements, such as exposed wood or stonework, creates a simple-yet-elegant design scheme that modern homeowners love. 

Interior home design Perth specialists at Decus Interiors embodied this look with their shortlist nominee, “Coastal Home.” The use of stained wood, raw marble, and earthy colors creates a powerful design scheme that will stand the test of time.

Organic, Eco-Friendly Materials

As natural elements are making waves in Australian interior design in 2020, it should come as no surprise that sustainability also plays a role. As eco-conscious homeowners take over the market, ethically-sourced materials are playing a pivotal role in design.

Over the next decade, you can expect to see more bamboo in homes as it’s deemed one of the most renewable material sources. Mass-produced pieces will fall by the wayside in favor of repurposed and hand-crafted accessories and furniture.

Maximalism in Art

While minimalism is having a moment in Australian interior design, it appears that this trend no longer applies to art. Instead, designers are using bold, large pieces to make a statement and set a contrast from the rest of the room.

When choosing art, look for something that stands out—the more eye-catching, the better.

With these seven design trends, you can gain inspiration from some of the top interior designers in Australia. Be bold and brave to get the best of 2020 interior design.

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